Raising Grounded Kids in a Performance-Driven Sport Culture w/ Ed Uszynski & Brian Smith
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On today’s episode…
How do you raise kids with a strong identity in Christ when youth sports are all about stats, scholarships, and success? In this episode, Dr. Kelly Cagle talks with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith about how to parent intentionally in a high-pressure sports culture. They explore practical ways to prioritize character over competition, protect your family’s values, and turn post-game car rides into connection—not correction.
Insights
Raising Grounded Kids in a Performance-Driven Sport Culture
Featuring: Ed Uszynski & Brian Smith
How do we raise grounded, faith-filled children in a sports world that prioritizes trophies, stats, and performance above all else? In this compelling episode, Dr. Kelly Cagle is joined by Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith—longtime leaders in sports ministry with Athletes in Action and co-authors of the book Away Game—to unpack the tension between healthy competition and spiritual formation in youth sports.
Both Ed and Brian, former high-level athletes and now parents of children in sports, speak candidly about the culture shift they've seen over the last few decades. What used to be local, seasonal, and child-centered has now become year-round, high-stakes, adult-driven, and incredibly costly. From endless weekend travel to missing out on church and family rhythms, today's youth sports can unintentionally derail families from their core values.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
The conversation explores how sport can be a beautiful gift from God, one that builds character, resilience, and connection—if stewarded with intention. Together, they highlight the importance of:
Countercultural parenting that prioritizes identity in Christ over performance on the field
Thoughtful decision-making when evaluating tournament schedules, financial investments, and missed time from church
Car conversations after games that build up rather than tear down
Unstructured play at home to spark joy and long-term passion for the sport
Ed and Brian challenge parents to shift from being sideline critics to intentional disciple-makers who model emotional regulation, spiritual grounding, and character-first living. This episode is packed with encouragement for parents navigating the fast-paced world of youth sports—reminding us that we are the culture-setters in our homes.
Whether you're raising a future collegiate athlete or a backyard baller, this episode will help you pursue purpose over performance in your parenting journey.
About Ed Uszynski & Brian Smith
Brian Smith is the author of several books including his latest Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports and The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports. He has been on staff with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brian has a master’s degree in Theology and Sports Studies through Baylor University. He lives in Lowell, Michigan, with his wife and three kids.
Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades’ experience discipling college and professional athletes. His latest book is Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. He’s written articles, essays, and training manuals at the intersection of faith and sport and is the lead strategist for Content Mercenaries. He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife Amy have four children and live in Xenia, Ohio.
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